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Heritage in Kilkenny

The past echoes in every footstep as you walk through the medieval city of Kilkenny. Explore its ancient laneways, wonder at the majestic halls of Kilkenny Castle , experience the glory of 13th century Canice's Cathedral and visit Rothe House, the only example of an early 17th century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland.

The county is just as rich in heritage and natural beauty. Feel the passion of past generations through places like Kells Priory and Woodstock Estate or reconnect with Nature in stunning natural settings like Dunmore Caves and Castlecomer Demesne.

View the Heritage Council's (which is based in Kilkenny) latest promotional video below. You can also browse the heritage attractions using the listings below this video.

Dominican Black Abbey in Kilkenny was founded in 1225 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. The church has since been beautifully restored to its original splendour with a spectacular coloured stained glass window. The Black Abbey was part of the Dominican Priory and derived its name from the Black Friars, as the Dominicans were called. The Black Abbey is the longest established of all Irish foundations. However, today the friars and the BI Peter O Higgins Lay Dominican Chapter assigned here are engaged in traditional apostolates, particularly liturgical preaching and sacramental services. The public celebration and service is a daily event in which visitors to the abbey are encouraged to participate in.

The Blackbird Gallery is Ireland's first stop for the very best selection of contemporary fine art, prints, ceramics and wonderful original gifts. Housed in its new location Rothe House, the gallery spans two floors of engaging work.

Creamery House is an 18th century Georgian house located in the centre of the town of Castlecomer in County Kilkenny. Originally built in approx.1750 by the Wandesforde family who lived on the eastern side of the Deen river which flows through the town. Creamery House became dilapidated over the years but has now been extensively restored.

History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique insight into this landmark. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, it contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave.

The historic nature of the MacDonagh site is well documented. On the site was the former Union Workhouse built in 1842 to accommodate up to 1,300 local poor. When the potato famine began in 1845 the Poor House quickly became the City Famine Workhouse.

Gáirdín an Ghorta is a National Garden of Remembrance located in Newmarket, County Kilkenny. The path through the garden is a metaphor for Irish history. The journey along the path is synonymous with the journey of the Irish people from pre-famine era to the future.

With over 200,000 family history parish and civil records, Rothe House is the genealogical research centre in Kilkenny city and county. For those with Kilkenny ancestry, this is the place to start your search, or even add to your existing knowledge.